Book Review: This Dame for Hire

Reviewed By: Pat Reid - RAM

This Dame for Hire     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon UK HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Sandra Scoppettone
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical   Woman Main Character   Private Investigator   WW II
Series: Faye Quick # 1
Ballentine Books, 2005, 253 pgs.

Hubba hubba, give me a cup of Joe, USO dances, phone booths on every corner, Camel cigarettes, this is the world of Faye Quick, head of A Detective Agency, New York City, 1943. Faye took over A Detective Agency when the war took her boss and the owner Woody Mason. After getting a steno degree in 1940 Faye was hired by Woody and when Woody was drafted he left Faye in charge. Faye works with her secretary Birdie who is an interesting character.

One evening Faye stumbles over the body of a young girl while walking home from dinner with a friend. The body was that of Claudette West a young socialite.

A couple of months later Porter and Myrna West appear at Faye’s office. The murderer had not been apprehended and the couple wants a private detective to locate the murderer. A Detective Agency hasn’t had a murder case since Faye took over but the agency has one now and Faye is determined to nail the killer.

Faye takes on the assignment. You will meet a number of colorful characters as Faye goes on her quest for justice.

This book is fast paced and enjoyable. The slang and descriptions of the way of life during the early years of the war in New York make for a very good read.

Pat Reid - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Pat Reid - RAM